Our research stream recognises that mental and physical health are intricately connected and there can be no health without mental health. Individuals with mental health conditions experience poorer physical health. Additionally, individuals with chronic health conditions often experience characteristic mental health challenges. We are working to advance knowledge about the complex bidirectional pathways between mental and physical health, and to develop improved, tailored interventions. Areas of focus include stress, diet, endocrine and cardiometabolic functioning, obesogenic environments, recovery from mental illness, women’s health and the mental and physical health impacts of COVID-19. Additionally, the stressful nature of training and working as a health professional is increasingly recognised. Our research also focusses on identifying stressors and developing curriculum and professional practice models for health professionals and students.
Theme Leader: Dr Sue Thomas (School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences)
Researchers
- Professor Lorna Moxham
- Professor Karen Charlton
- Professor Karen Walton
- Associate Professor Yasmine Probst
- Dr Monique Francois
- Associate Professor Rowena Ivers
- Dr Luke Molloy
- Dr Karen Fildes
- Dr Jess Nealon
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Areas of research |
Example projects |
HIRC researchers |
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Relationships between physical and mental health |
Mood, food and biomarkers: Longitudinal study of factors predicting weight gain and chronic disease risk in major depressive disorder. |
Dr Sue Thomas Prof Karen Charlton Prof Karen Walton |
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Recovery from mental illness |
Recovery Camp; person-centred, recovery-focused & trauma informed psychosocial intervention for individuals with a lived experience of mental illness. Self Determination theory lens |
Prof Lorna Moxham |
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Diet and mental health |
The impact of diet on mental health symptoms in multiple sclerosis.
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A/Prof Yasmine Probst |
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Nutritional advice in management of mood disorders by GPs and psychologists |
Dr Karen Fildes Dr Jess Nealon |
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Weight management |
Non-diet/ non-restrictive approaches to weight management |
A/Prof Yasmine Probst Melissa Eaton
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COVID-19 health impacts
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Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on postpartum mental health, wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours
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Dr Monique Francois Hannah Christie, PhD
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Anxiety and depression among health care workers during COVID-19
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Prof Lorna Moxham Prof Ritin Fernandez |
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Impact of COVID-19 on mental and physical wellbeing. |
Dr Sue Thomas |
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Postpartum health |
Developing a community engagement program to improve mental health and health behaviours in postpartum mums: Beyond the Bump
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Dr Monique Francois
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Health professional student wellbeing |
Supportive supervision and curriculum models. Mental and physical wellbeing of students. |
A/Prof Rowena Ivers Dr Sue Thomas |
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Mental health in chronic kidney disease |
Mental health in chronic kidney disease |
Dr Kelly Lambert Dr Sue Thomas |
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Student Learning in Mental Health Settings |
Work Integrated Learning Clinical confidence Clinical competence Attitudinal change & Stigma Clinical Facilitation Knowledge Transfer Influence on career choice |
Prof Lorna Moxham |
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Mental health services and professional practice |
Safety culture and mental health care. |
Dr Luke Molloy |